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Data Quote by Claude Shannon

“Information: the negative reciprocal value of probability.” quote by Claude Shannon
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“Information: the negative reciprocal value of probability.”

Claude Shannon

About This Quote

Source Paper: A Mathematical Theory of Communication, 1948

Probability’s negative reciprocal quantifies information uncertainty, forming the basis of information theory.

In simple terms: Negative reciprocal of probability measures uncertainty.

Key Takeaway

Apply entropy concepts to data analysis.

Themes

information theory probability uncertainty math

Mood

analytical curious

Type

technical educational

When to use this quote

  • data compression
  • signal processing
  • cryptography

Key Concepts

statistics communication theory entropy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does uncertainty affect decision making?
  • What practical uses does entropy have?
A Different Perspective

Real‑world data may not fit ideal models.

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